Single measles outbreak in 2025 cost almost $5.4M to contain: Research

A single measles outbreak in New Mexico last year cost nearly $5.4 million to contain, according to new research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The study estimates $53,522 was spent per confirmed measles case, including $290,000 in direct medical costs tied to seven hospitalizations, about $32,000 for 79 outpatient visits, and roughly $20,000 for 1,286 commercial laboratory tests. The largest share of response spending—about $3.2 million—came from vaccination-related activities. Researchers used data from 133 public health responders, 100 patients, and 205 exposed contacts, while noting estimates may be over- or undercounted due to incomplete reporting.